After a Slow Start, Fall Colours Now Entering Peak Across Southern Ontario

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An unusually warm start to autumn across Southern Ontario has delayed the typical fall colour transformation, leaving many waiting longer than usual for those vibrant displays. In our last update from early October, peak colours had only been reached in Central Ontario and parts of Eastern Ontario, several weeks later than usual.

However, the colder weather that settled in over the past few weeks has helped speed up the transformation across the region. As we head into the weekend, most areas in Southern Ontario are now approaching or experiencing peak colour change.

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For provincial parks that reached their peak earlier this month—such as Algonquin Park, Arrowhead, and Bonnechere—the best days have likely passed, with reports indicating that fewer than 40% of the leaves remain on the trees.

Note: The above map is extrapolated using data from OntarioParks.ca, but some parks may not have updated their latest report yet. As such, the actual colour change in your area may be further along than currently reported.

Keep in mind that many parks have closed for the season after Thanksgiving, which explains why some areas lack data in our latest updated map.

Currently, the following parks are experiencing peak fall colours:

  • Arrowhead: 100% colour change | 40% leaf fall

  • Balsam Lake: 60% colour change | 30% leaf fall

  • Batchawana Bay: 90% colour change | 40% leaf fall

  • Bon Echo: 80% colour change | 50% leaf fall

  • Bronte Creek: 50% colour change | 20% leaf fall

  • French River: 80% colour change | 50% leaf fall

  • Killarney: 80% colour change | 40% leaf fall

  • Killbear: 60% colour change | 30% leaf fall

  • MacGregor Point: 60% colour change | 40% leaf fall

  • Mark S. Burnham: 50% colour change | 40% leaf fall

  • Mono Cliffs: 60% colour change | 20% leaf fall

  • Oxtongue River-Ragged Falls: 100% colour change | 40% leaf fall

  • Sauble Falls: 100% colour change | 40% leaf fall

  • The Massasauga: 90% colour change | 20% leaf fall

The last regions still waiting to reach peak colours are in Deep Southwestern Ontario, along the Lake Erie shoreline, and in parts of the Golden Horseshoe. Parks in these areas, including Pinery, Wheatley, Rondeau, Turkey Point, Darlington, Presqu'ile, and Sandbanks, are reporting between 30-40% colour change. It's likely that these parks will reach peak colours by next weekend.

Remember that peak fall colours typically last for about a week or two, but this can vary based on weather conditions. The peak period ends once more than 50% of the leaves have fallen, which can happen quickly after a strong windstorm. So, make the most of the season and get out there while the colours are at their brightest!